台江苗族支系及其文化特征

Subgroups and Cultural Characteristics of Tai-jiang Miao——Approach to Criteria for Subgrouping

从狭义上看,台江苗族共有9个支系,各支系文化在具有同一性的同时,也有相异性和交叉性。之所以存在相异性其原因在于各支系历史不尽相同和支系间婚姻的限制。支系也因迁徙而导致文化的转用。在诸多传统文化因素中,语言和服饰是区别支系最首要的两项因素。

In a narrow sense, Tai-jiang miao can be divided into 9 subgroups. While they share many common cultural characteristics, we can still find some differences or some （partly） overlappings between them, especially in their culture. These differences are mainly due to different historical development, as well as restriction on exogamy. Cultural shift can be regarded as a result of immigration. The author conclude that language and clothes are two main factors in distinguishing one subgroup from another.